Public Health Specialist (AMR/VPH) Job Placements – VSF Germany
Job Title: Public Health Specialist (AMR/VPH)
Organization: VSF Germany
Project: BMZ Funded BUILD Uganda Project
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Project Technical Manager
About US:
VSF Germany is an International Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian assistance and development aid to agro-pastoral and pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the Horn of Africa region, VSF Germany has been implementing programmes in South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia since 1998. Effective from January 2019, VSF Germany has expanded its programme scope to Uganda. VSF Germany programmes focus on Food Security and Livelihoods, Nutrition, Natural Resources Management, Peace-building, Water and Sanitation, Protection and Response to Disasters and Emergencies. Each country program is managed through the country offices and country teams. Country programmes are coordinated and facilitated from the Regional Office Nairobi (RON). The organization is a registered charity in Germany with its headquarters in Berlin.
Job Summary: The Public Health Specialist shall provide direct technical support and guidance for risk assessments including systems characterization and value chains mapping and analyses AMR and VPH surveillance systems and various training needs and training activities in target districts.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the process of community and other key stakeholders mobilization for sensitization on AMR and VPH activities in the target districts
- Undertake rapid training needs assessments with key target groups and design suitable training programmes that address t knowledge and practice gaps in AMR /VPH control
- Lead the planning and implementation of training programmes that influence practice and behaviour changes in collaboration with the VSF-G Capacity Development Officer,
- Identify essential slaughter and equipment supply needs that enhance hygienic meat handling practices and support the procurement and distribution plans to beneficiaries
- Contribute to updating and review of the National Action Plan on AMR control
- Participate in Multi-stakeholder Platforms to assess needs, trends and patterns in AMR/ VPH practices and design extension messages that contribute to behavioral changes
- Conduct trainings of farmer groups and other stakeholders to disseminate good practices on rational use of antibiotics and antibiotic stewardship as informed by research results,
- Conduct training needs assessments and design training modules of butchers, meat vendors and other actors in the meat value chains to improve quality and safety of meat.
- Support and guide consultancies on VPH baseline studies and AMR poultry engendered value chain analysis and KAPs assessments to inform control intervention strategies
- Support the establishment of a well-functioning One Health governance structure for AMR and AMU surveillance
- Support and participate in the establishment of a government led system of collecting, collating, analysing, reporting and disseminating AMR and AMU data
- Participate in the strengthening of AMR and AMU surveillance in animals and animal products especially poultry.
- Conduct trainings to key stakeholders to disseminate key public health policy guidelines
- Support sampling for AMR and VPH studies at the field and slaughter facilities for research purposes in collaboration with the ILRI principal investigators and PhD fellows.
- Provide guidance and support to target districts on the use of mobile based applications for AMR / VPH surveillance activities
- Lead in the preparation of timely AMR/ VPH component periodic progress reports
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences or related fields (e.g. veterinary medicine or human medicine) from a recognized university with at least 7 years of field practice and research experience.
- Master’s Degree in Veterinary Public Health with a focus on AMR and VPH research will be an added advantage.
- Three years of proven experience in the management and implementation of AMR and or Veterinary Public Health research programs particularly in Uganda.
- Team player, self-motivated and ability to work with minimum supervision
- Ability to prioritize tasks, problem solve and meet tight deadlines
- Creative self-starter, independent thinker with a focus on delivery of results for the project
- Good understanding of the AMR / VPH governance principles and priorities actions in Uganda
- Results Focused
- Teamwork with good inter-personal relations
- Effective Communication and focus in building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
- Practical hands on work experience and knowledge of the target districts and regions.
- Ability to write technical briefs and concise reports.
- Ability to occasionally work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with Uganda national livestock sector policies and strategies.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications with the subject line “Public Health Specialist” to the e-mail address: recruitment@vsfg.org and copied to admin_hr@vsfg.org. The application documents should include the following, all in one document:**
- Cover letter for application (max 1 page)
- Updated CV of not more than 3 pages and with at least 3 professional referees.
Do not submit copies of transcripts, academic degrees, or recommendation letter at this stage as you will provide them up on request only.
NB: Canvassing for the position through unfair means shall lead to automatic disqualification.
Deadline: 28th February 2020